Unity: 62% of devs use AI tools as studios shift toward multiplayer and live-service games

A new industry report from Unity highlights significant changes in how game studios are building and maintaining titles. The company’s latest gaming report points to growing adoption of artificial intelligence tools, strong interest in multiplayer development, and an increased focus on live operations as developers respond to market pressures and evolving player behavior.

The report shows that 62% of developers are already using AI tools during game development, signaling rapid adoption of automation and generative technologies across the industry.

Studios report applying AI in several areas of production, including asset generation, code assistance, testing automation, and procedural content creation. According to the findings, these tools are helping teams accelerate development cycles and reduce manual workloads, particularly for smaller studios working with limited resources.

While adoption is rising quickly, the report indicates that many developers still use AI as a supporting tool rather than a full replacement for traditional production workflows.

Multiplayer experiences continue to shape development roadmaps. The report states that 64% of developers are currently working on multiplayer projects, underscoring the continued demand for social and cooperative gameplay.

However, the structure of multiplayer experiences is evolving. Studios are increasingly experimenting with formats beyond traditional competitive modes, including cooperative gameplay systems, social mechanics, and asynchronous multiplayer features that allow players to interact without being online simultaneously.

These changes reflect a broader shift toward gameplay models designed to extend player engagement over longer periods.

Live-service strategies expand across studios

The report also shows that approximately 60% of studios are focusing on maintaining and expanding existing games rather than launching entirely new titles.

This approach often includes live operations strategies such as seasonal updates, new content drops, and monetization adjustments designed to keep players engaged after launch. Developers say this strategy helps reduce financial risk while allowing studios to extend the lifespan of successful titles.

The trend aligns with broader industry moves toward long-term engagement models rather than single-release products.

Mobile continues to dominate release platforms

Mobile platforms remain the most common release channel for developers. According to the report, around 90% of developers released their latest game on mobile devices, maintaining the platform’s position as the largest distribution environment in the gaming industry.

Desktop platforms remain widely used as well, particularly for mid-core and multiplayer titles. At the same time, developers are exploring additional channels such as browser-based distribution, though adoption in that area remains limited.